Iowa County Community Resource Guide - Alzheimer's & Dementia ...

HOME CARE SERVICES
Home care agencies provide a variety of services to help people in their homes. Some home care
agencies specialize in particular services while others provide a wide range of services. Most
agencies charge a fee; volunteer organizations accept donations.
Some county aging units also keep lists of private individuals who provide home-care services in their
county. It is up to the family to screen any private individual they hire, and to ensure that state and
federal tax law is being adhered to. Note that anyone who hires a private individual as a home care
worker on a regular or frequent basis may become an employer under the law and be responsible
for paying unemployment insurance and social security/Medicare taxes to the government on the
worker’s behalf.
Using home care services can help to extend the period of time a loved one can be successfully cared
for at home by supplying needed supplemental help and preserving the health and energy of the
family caregiver.
• Types of Home Care Services
1. Chore services typically include light housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation and
shopping.
2. Companion care (respite) typically includes oversight/companionship for the
person with memory loss so that his or her primary caregivers can take time off from
caregiving to keep appointments, attend events, catch up on chores, sleep, or simply
enjoy a break. Companion care can be provided in a variety of settings, but is
usually provided in the residence of the person receiving care. Companion care can
often be combined with chore service and/or personal care assistance. Companions
might also take people on outings, enabling them to attend events, volunteer, and visit
favorite people and places.
3. Personal care services typically include assistance with dressing, bathing,
grooming, meals and toileting, as needed.
4. Home health care is provided by nurses, certified nursing assistants or professional
therapists and includes medication management, skilled nursing services, bathing,
and occupational, physical, and speech therapies. Depending on the situation, the
caregiver might be able to take a break from caregiving while home health care is
being provided.
5. A live-in caregiver provides 24 hour/day assistance in the home. Services include
personal care, home chores, companionship and oversight of the person in need of
care. Some people hire someone they know to live in the home. Others look for livein
caregivers through the local university or by placing an advertisement. Some
companion care and home health agencies can provide 24 hour/day shift care.
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